Cast
Clément Debieuvre David
Un Page du CMBV Jonathas
Thomas Dolié Saul
Edwin Crossley-Mercer Achis / The Shadow of Samuel
Jean-François Novelli Joabel
Dominique Visse La Pythonisse / A warrior from David's suite
Les Pages et les Chantres du Centre de musique baroque de Versailles
Orchestre Les Temps Présents (dir. Dominique Serve)
Olivier Schneebeli Conductor
Presentation
Although Charpentier spent most of his career with no access to the opera, since Lully had the royal privilege, he was nevertheless able to create a similar masterpiece under very special conditions. In 1688, the Collège Louis Le Grand, in the tradition of the Jesuits' theatrical and musical practice, performed his lyrical tragedy David and Jonathas, with acts interspersed between those of the play Saul. This musical work relates a well-known biblical subject, the deep friendship between David and Jonathas, son of King Saul, convinced of the betrayal of young David, who had been in the Philistine camp after his banishment. The inevitable confrontation of their armies leads Saul to suicide and Jonathas to death in the arms of victorious David.
The extraordinary inspiration of Charpentier's music, the dramatic force of the libretto, and the intense emotion expressed by the work, made it a great success from the beginning, as witnessed by several performances in other Jesuit Colleges. After three decades as artistic director of the Pages et des Chantres of the Centre de Musique Baroque de Versailles, who better than Olivier Schneebeli can understand the educational context of Charpentier's masterpiece? Surrounded by magnificent soloists, he delivers in the Chapelle Royale his vibrant version of David and Jonathas's symbiotic and fated friendship?
This concert will be recorded for the Château de Versailles Spectacles label.
PROGRAMME
Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1643 – 1704)
David and Jonathas
Biblical tragedy in five acts with prologue on a libretto by Père Bretonneau, created in 1688 in Paris.
Royal Opera
More info
Royal Opera - Access map
Prices
Catégorie 3
Catégorie 2
Catégorie 1
Prestige
Prestige VIP
PRESTIGE VIP CATEGORY: Best seats in house with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
PRESTIGE CATEGORY: Excellent seats with complimentary glass of champagne and programme.
REDUCED RATE applicable to under 26s, Chateau de Versailles Spectacles card holders, the Cercle of Rameau members and groups of more than 10 people (excluding special company offer).
To ensure the best welcome possible, people with limited mobility are advised to book their seats by telephone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89.
In case of any technical problem, the box office service remain available to complete your order by phone at +33 (0)1 30 83 78 89 (Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm) or in our box office-shop (3 bis rue des Réservoirs, 78000 Versailles ; Monday-Friday from 11am to 6pm, and on Saturdays with concerts or shows except during the Musical Fountains Shows, from 2pm to 5pm).
